Wales proposes ban on smoking e-cigarettes in public places

A ban on smoking e-cigarettes in enclosed public spaces may be introduced in Wales (Picture: PA)

A ban on smoking e-cigarettes in enclosed public spaces may be introduced in Wales – which would become the first part of Britain to outlaw it.

‘Vaping’ would be forbidden in shops, pubs, restaurants and offices if the move goes ahead.

Welsh health ministers are concerned the tobacco-free devices could ‘re-normalise’ traditional cigarettes and undermine the smoking ban implemented in April 2007.

One politician, Prof Mark Drakeford, said: ‘We have spent 30 years creating a climate in this country where people understand that smoking is not glamorous or desirable.

‘We are concerned that e-cigarettes might reverse that tide. It contains nicotine, it’s highly addictive and you might then find it easier to move on to normal cigarettes.’

There are no plans for a similar ban in England. Smoking is responsible for about 5,600 deaths each year in Wales.

The Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association said the proposals were based on ‘junk science’. It has stressed that the vapour emitted from e-cigarettes has not been proven to pose a risk to bystanders.

James Dunworth, director of the Swansea-based company ECigaretteDirect.co.uk, said: ‘If the Welsh government were truly concerned about our health, it would pay attention to a recent survey we did. Out of 1,600 vapers, 61 per cent said they would return to tobacco if e-cigs were banned.’

Health experts questioned whether a ban was necessary.

Prof Kevin Fenton, from Public Health England, said: ‘Only one per cent of non-smokers have ever tried e-cigarettes.’

Health charity ASH said research suggested e-cigs were used ‘almost without exception’ by current and ex-smokers.

Belgium, Malta and several US cities have banned vaping in most public places.